TASHKENT: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan is set to embark on an official visit to Italy from June 7 to June 9. This visit marks a significant milestone in the history of Uzbek-Italian relations, which were established on March 24, 1992. Over the past 31 years, the two countries have built a strong foundation for mutually beneficial and prospective cooperation, fostering a trusted political dialogue through four high-level visits – two to Italy and two to Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan and Italy have successfully collaborated within international organizations such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and others. Additionally, they have engaged in interregional cooperation through initiatives like the “Central Asia – Italy” formats. The development of inter-parliamentary ties has been consistent, with parliamentary groups from both countries operating in their respective legislatures since 2011. Furthermore, the Italy-Central Asia Friendship Group operates within the Italian Parliament.
Efforts to strengthen bilateral relations have extended to various ministries and agencies, resulting in a new dynamic of interdepartmental interaction. Regular political consultations between foreign ministries have been established as an effective mechanism for collaboration. Notably, trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Italy have significantly intensified in recent years. Italy’s global leadership in technology, engineering, and industry has attracted considerable interest from Uzbekistan, while the ongoing economic reforms and favorable business conditions in Uzbekistan make it an increasingly promising economic partner.
Collaboration Between Uzbekistan and Italy
Multiple Uzbek-Italian business forums have highlighted the mutual interest in expanding industrial cooperation and trade relations. The legal and institutional foundations for such collaboration are already in place, supported by several important agreements in the economic sphere. Key institutions facilitating trade, economic, and industrial cooperation, such as the Uzbek-Italian Intergovernmental Working Group and the Italian-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, have been successfully functioning. In 2020, a branch of the Association of Italian Industry “Confindustria” was opened in Uzbekistan, further enhancing relations between the two countries.
The volume of mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Italy reached $381 million in 2022, and in the first four months of 2023, it has already exceeded $155 million. Notably, 54 Italian companies are currently operating successfully in Uzbekistan, with collaborations spanning various sectors, including metallurgy, smart gas meters production, and saffron cultivation. Moreover, new projects in the fields of energy, metallurgy, building materials, horticulture, healthcare, and hygiene are being explored.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also holds a special place in Uzbek-Italian relations, with deep historical roots. The intercultural dialogue between the two countries has flourished, with collaborations in science, sports, art, and education. Notably, branches of the Turin Polytechnic University and the University of Pisa are successfully operating in Tashkent, while joint efforts to support innovation and youth entrepreneurship are underway, including the potential launch of a joint program to support youth startups in Uzbekistan.
Cooperation in the healthcare sector is gaining momentum, with Italy’s rich experience in medical tourism and Uzbekistan’s potential to become a leading healthcare destination in Central Asia. Uzbek culture and art have garnered recognition in Italy, with notable achievements in cinema, music, and traditional Uzbek wrestling. The upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Italy is poised to further elevate the multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and Italy, strengthening collaboration across various domains and opening new avenues for mutual benefit.
